By Ariwodola Idowu
Ikun Ekiti (Ekiti) – Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti on Thursday said N2billion would be injected into the moribund Ikun Dairy farm located at Ikun Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fayemi spoke while inspecting the facilities at the farm.
He reiterated the readiness of his administration to revive some of the ailing industries in the state, saying this would create more employment opportunities for the youths.
The governor said the resuscitation, which would be done in partnership with Promasidor Nigeria Limited and the Central Bank of Nigeria, would ensure daily production of about 10, 000 litres of milk .
The governor explained that the resuscitation of Ikun Dairy Farm was part of the move by his administration to attract more investors to the state.
NAN reports that Dairy Farm was established in 1987, but had been abandoned by past administrations in the state,
Fayemi said that plans were also underway by Dangote Nigeria Limited to establish a rice mill in the state.
” Let me reiterate the readiness of our administration to continue to provide enabling environment for private industries to strive in the state
” Arrangements have been concluded to also revive Ire Clay Bricks Limited and other ailing or abandoned industries in the state.
” I salute the host community for their unflinching support to the firm. I urge them to give more support to the dairy farm and ensure its success,” Fayemi said.
NAN reports that some of the facilities inspected by the governor included maternity for cows, pens for crossbreeding, factory for milk production and reservoir for manure production among others.
The governor also used the opportunity to inspect the Ero Dam in the town .
The Chief Executive Officer of Promasidor, Mr Olivier Thiry, said no fewer than 400 cows were purchased in the first stage in the farm, adding that they would begin production of milk within the next 18 months.
He solicited the support of the people of Ekiti for the success of the farm and assured them that the company would employ no fewer than 1,000 Ekiti indegenes when fully operational.
“Promasidor has made an initial investment of $5mmillion in the farm which will be used to procure cattle, equip the dairy farm, establish a farm to produce feed and renovate existing buildings.
“At full capacity, this farm will produce over 10, 000 litres of milk per day while over 1,000 Ekiti people will also be employed to work in the farm,” Thiry stated.
The governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefuele, represented by his Special Adviser on Finance, Mr Anthony Ifechukwu, commended Fayemi on his efforts at bringing more investors to the state.
He said the Central Bank would ensure the success of the farm and other investments aimed at bringing more developments to the state.
(NAN)
